Benzimidazole derivatives

ABSTRACT

The present invention encompasses compounds of the general formula I 
                         
wherein the groups A, R 1  to R 2  and X have the meanings given in the claims and in the specification. The compounds of the invention are suitable for the treatment of diseases characterized by excessive or abnormal cell proliferation pharmaceutical preparations containing such compounds and their uses as a medicament.

This invention relates to compounds of the general formula I

wherein the groups A, R¹ to R² and X have the meanings given in the claims and in the specification. The compounds of the invention are suitable for the treatment of diseases characterized by excessive or abnormal cell proliferation, pharmaceutical preparations containing such compounds and their uses as a medicament. The compounds of the invention are BRD4 inhibitors.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Histone acetylation is most usually associated with the activation of gene transcription, as the modification loosens the interaction of the DNA and the histone octomer by changing the electrostatics. In addition to this physical change, specific proteins bind to acetylated lysine residues within histones to read the epigenetic code. Bromodomains are small (about 110 amino acid) distinct domains within proteins that bind to acetylated lysine resides commonly but not exclusively in the context of histones. There is a family of around 50 proteins known to contain bromodomains, and they have a range of functions within the cell.

The BET family of bromodomain containing proteins comprises 4 proteins (BRD2, BRD3, BRD4 and BRD-T) which contain tandem bromodomains capable of binding to two acetylated lysine residues in close proximity, increasing the specificity of the interaction. Recent research has established a compelling rationale for targeting BRD4 in cancer. BRD4 remains bound to transcriptional start sites of genes expressed during the entry into the G1 phase of the cell cycle, and is functioning to recruit the positive transcription elongation factor complex (P-TEFb), resulting in increased expression of growth promoting genes (Yang and Zhou, Mol. Cell. Biol. 28, 967, 2008). Importantly, BRD4 has been identified as a component of a recurrent t(15;19) chromosomal translocation in an aggressive form of human squamous carcinoma (French et al., Cancer Res. 63, 304, 2003). Such translocations express the tandem N-terminal bromodomains of BRD4 as an in-frame chimera with the NUT (nuclear protein in testis) protein, genetically defining the so-called NUT midline carcinoma (NMC). Functional studies in patient-derived NMC cell lines have validated the essential role of the BRD4-NUT oncoprotein in maintaining the proliferation and the differentiation block of these malignant cells. In addition, BRD4 has been identified as a critical sensitivity determinant in a genetically defined AML mouse model (Zuber et al., Nature 2011 478(7370):524-8). Suppression of BRD4 led to robust anti-leukemic effects in vitro and in vivo, accompanied by terminal myeloid differentiation. Interestingly, BRD4 inhibition triggered MYC down-regulation in a broad array of mouse and human leukemia cell lines examined, indicating that small molecule BRD4 inhibitors may provide a means to suppress the MYC pathway in a range of AML subtypes.

Finally, the other family members of the BET family have also been reported to have some function in controlling or executing aspects of the cell cycle, and have been shown to remain in complex with chromosomes during cell division—suggesting a role in the maintenance of epigenetic memory (Leroy et al, Mol. Cell. 2008 30(1):51-60).

Examples of bromodomain inhibitors are benzodiazepine derivatives, disclosed in WO2011/054553, and imidazo[4,5]quinoline derivatives, disclosed in WO2011/054846.

Thus, there is the need to provide BRD4 inhibitors useful for the prevention and/or treatment of diseases characterized by excessive or abnormal cell proliferation, such as cancer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to compounds of formula I:

-   -   wherein,     -   A is selected from

-   -   R¹ is selected from

-   -   R² is selected from —CH₂-phenyl, —CH(CH₃)-phenyl, —CH₂-pyridyl,         —CH(CH₃)-pyridyl, —CH₂—CH₂—O—CH₃ and —CH(CH₃)—CH₂—O—CH₃,     -   R³ is selected from —C₁₋₃ alkyl;     -   R⁴ is selected from —C₁₋₃ alkyl;     -   R⁵ is selected from —C₁₋₃ alkyl;     -   or R⁴ and R⁵ taken together form a —C₃ cycloalkyl;     -   R⁶ is selected from —C₁₋₃ alkyl;     -   R⁷ is selected from —C₁₋₃ alkyl;     -   R⁸ is selected from —C₁₋₃ alkyl;     -   R⁹ is selected from —C₁₋₃ alkyl;     -   R¹⁹ is selected from —C₁₋₃ alkyl     -   X is selected from —CH═ or —N═         and wherein the compound of formula I can be present in its salt         form.

In a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to compounds of formula Ia,

wherein

-   -   A is selected from

-   -   R¹ is selected from

-   -   R² is selected from —CH₂-phenyl, —CH(CH₃)-phenyl, —CH₂-pyridyl,         and —CH(CH₃)—CH₂—O—CH₃,         and wherein R³ to R¹⁰ are as defined herein in the description         and the claims.

In a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to compounds of formula I or Ia, wherein R¹ is

For clarification purposes, the compounds of the invention are tricycles selected from

wherein the substituents X and R¹ to R¹⁰ are as defined herein in the description and the claims.

In a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to compounds of formula I or Ia, wherein A is selected from

and wherein R³ to R⁵, R⁹ and R¹⁹ are as defined herein in the description and the claims.

In a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to compounds of formula I or Ia, wherein R³ is selected from methyl, ethyl and isopropyl.

In a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to compounds of formula I or Ia, wherein R⁴ and R⁵ are both methyl or R⁴ and R⁵ taken together form a cyclopropyl.

In a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to compounds of formula I or Ia, wherein R⁴ and R⁵ are both methyl.

In a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to compounds of formula I or Ia, wherein R² is selected from —CH(CH₃)-phenyl, —CH₂-pyridyl, and —CH(CH₃)—CH₂—O—CH₃.

In a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to compounds of formula I or Ia, wherein R⁹ is selected from methyl and ethyl.

In a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to compounds of formula I or Ia, wherein R¹⁰ is selected from methyl and ethyl.

In a further embodiment, the invention relates to compounds of formula I or Ia for use in the treatment of cancer.

In a further embodiment, the invention relates to compound of general formula I or Ia according to anyone of the embodiments described herein in the description and the claims—or the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof—for use in the treatment and/or prevention of cancer.

In a further embodiment, the invention relates to pharmaceutical preparation comprising as active substance one or more compounds of general formula I or Ia according to anyone of the embodiments described herein in the description and the claims optionally in combination with conventional excipients and/or carriers.

In a further embodiment, the invention relates to pharmaceutical preparation comprising a compound of general formula I or Ia according to anyone of the embodiments described herein in the description and the claims—or one of the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof—and at least one other cytostatic or cytotoxic active substance, different from formula I or Ia.

The present invention further relates to hydrates, solvates, polymorphs, metabolites, derivatives and prodrugs of compounds of general formula I or Ia.

The present invention further relates to a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of a compound of general formula I or Ia with anorganic or organic acids or bases.

In another aspect the invention relates to compounds of general formula I or Ia—or the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof—as medicaments.

In another aspect the invention relates to compounds of general formula I or Ia—or the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof—for use in a method for treatment of the human or animal body.

In another aspect the invention relates to compounds of general formula I or Ia—or the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof—for use in the treatment and/or prevention of cancer, infections, inflammations and autoimmune diseases.

In another aspect the invention relates to compounds of general formula I or Ia—or the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof—for use in a method for treatment and/or prevention of cancer, infections, inflammations and autoimmune diseases in the human and animal body.

In another aspect the invention relates to compounds of general formula I or Ia—or the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof—for use in the treatment and/or prevention of cancer.

In another aspect the invention relates to the use of the compounds of general formula (I)—or the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof—in the treatment and/or prevention of cancer.

In another aspect the invention relates to compounds of general formula I or Ia—or the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof—for use in a method for treatment and/or prevention of cancer in the human or animal body.

In another aspect the invention relates to compounds of general formula I or Ia—or the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof—for use in the treatment and/or prevention of hematopoietic malignancies, preferably AML, MM.

In another aspect the invention relates to compounds of general formula I or Ia—or the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof—for use in the treatment and/or prevention of solid tumors, preferably to lung, liver, colon, brain, thyroid, pancreas, breast, ovary, head and neck, and prostate cancer.

In another aspect the invention relates to a process for the treatment and/or prevention of cancer comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of general formula I or Ia—or one of the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof—to a human being.

In another aspect the invention relates to a pharmaceutical preparation containing as active substance one or more compounds of general formula I or Ia—or the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof—optionally in combination with conventional excipients and/or carriers.

In another aspect the invention relates to a pharmaceutical preparation comprising a compound of general formula I or Ia—or one of the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof—and at least one other cytostatic or cytotoxic active substance, different from formula I or Ia.

DEFINITIONS

Terms that are not specifically defined here have the meanings that are apparent to the skilled man in the light of the overall disclosure and the context as a whole.

As used herein, the following definitions apply, unless stated otherwise.

In the groups, radicals, or moieties defined below, the number of carbon atoms is often specified preceding the group, for example, —C₁₋₅alkyl means an alkyl group or radical having 1 to 5 carbon atoms. In general, for groups comprising two or more subgroups, the first named sub-group is the radical attachment point, for example the substitutent —C₁₋₅alkyl-C₃₋₁₀cycloalkyl, means a C₃₋₁₀cycloalkyl group which is bound to a C₁₋₅alkyl, the latter of which is bound to the core structure or to the group to which the substitutent is attached.

The indication of the number of members in groups that contain one or more heteroatom(s) (heteroalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl, heterocycylalkyl) relates to the total atomic number of all the ring members or chain members or the total of all the ring and chain members.

The person skilled in the art will appreciate that substituent groups containing a nitrogen atom can also be indicated as amine or amino. Similarly, groups containing oxygen atom can also be indicated with -oxy, like for example alkoxy. Groups containing —C(O)— can also be indicated as carboxy; groups containing —NC(O)— can also be indicated as amide; groups containing —NC(O)N— can also be indicated as urea; groups containing —NS(O)₂— can also be indicated as sulfonamide.

Alkyl denotes monovalent, saturated hydrocarbon chains, which may be present in both linear and branched form. If an alkyl is substituted, the substitution may take place independently of one another, by mono- or polysubstitution in each case, on all the hydrogen-carrying carbon atoms.

The term “C₁₋₅-alkyl” includes for example methyl (Me; —CH₃), ethyl (Et; —CH₂CH₃), 1-propyl (n-propyl; n-Pr; —CH₂CH₂CH₃), 2-propyl (i-Pr; iso-propyl; —CH(CH₃)₂), 1-butyl (n-butyl; n-Bu; —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃), 2-methyl-1-propyl (iso-butyl; i-Bu; —CH₂CH(CH₃)₂), 2-butyl (sec-butyl; sec-Bu; —CH(CH₃)CH₂CH₃), 2-methyl-2-propyl (tert-butyl; t-Bu; —C(CH₃)₃), 1-pentyl (n-pentyl; —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃), 2-pentyl (—CH(CH₃)CH₂CH₂CH₃), 3-pentyl (—CH(CH₂CH₃)₂), 3-methyl-1-butyl (iso-pentyl; —CH₂CH₂CH(CH₃)₂), 2-methyl-2-butyl (—C(CH₃)₂CH₂CH₃), 3-methyl-2-butyl (—CH(CH₃)CH(CH₃)₂), 2,2-dimethyl-1-propyl (neo-pentyl; —CH₂C(CH₃)₃), 2-methyl-1-butyl (—CH₂CH(CH₃)CH₂CH₃). By the terms propyl, butyl, pentyl, etc. without any further definition are meant saturated hydrocarbon groups with the corresponding number of carbon atoms, wherein all isomeric forms are included.

The above definition for alkyl also applies if alkyl is a part of another group such as for example C_(x-y)-alkylamino or C_(x-y)-alkyloxy or C_(x-y)-alkoxy, wherein C_(x-y)-alkyloxy and C_(x-y)-alkoxy indicate the same group.

The term alkylene can also be derived from alkyl. Alkylene is bivalent, unlike alkyl, and requires two binding partners. Formally, the second valency is produced by removing a hydrogen atom in an alkyl. Corresponding groups are for example —CH₃ and —CH₂, —CH₂CH₃ and —CH₂CH₂ or >CHCH₃ etc.

The term “C₁₋₄-alkylene” includes for example —(CH₂)—, —(CH₂—CH₂)—, —(CH(CH₃))—, —(CH₂—CH₂—CH₂)—, —(C(CH₃)₂)—, —(CH(CH₂CH₃))—, —(CH(CH₃)—CH₂)—, —(CH₂—CH(CH₃))—, —(CH₂—CH₂—CH₂—CH₂)—, —(CH₂—CH₂—CH(CH₃))—, —(CH(CH₃)—CH₂—CH₂)—, —(CH₂—CH(CH₃)—CH₂)—, —(CH₂—C(CH₃)₂)—, —(C(CH₃)₂—CH₂)—, —(CH(CH₃)—CH(CH₃))—, —(CH₂—CH(CH₂CH₃))—, —(CH(CH₂CH₃)—CH₂)—, —(CH(CH₂CH₂CH₃))—, —(CHCH(CH₃)₂)— and —C(CH₃)(CH₂CH₃)—.

Other examples of alkylene are methylene, ethylene, propylene, 1-methylethylene, butylene, 1-methylpropylene, 1,1-dimethylethylene, 1,2-dimethylethylene, pentylene, 1,1-dimethylpropylene, 2,2-dimethylpropylene, 1,2-dimethylpropylene, 1,3-dimethylpropylene, etc.

By the generic terms propylene, butylene, pentylene, hexylene etc. without any further definition are meant all the conceivable isomeric forms with the corresponding number of carbon atoms, i.e. propylene includes 1-methylethylene and butylene includes 1-methylpropylene, 2-methylpropylene, 1,1-dimethylethylene and 1,2-dimethylethylene.

The above definition for alkylene also applies if alkylene is part of another group such as for example in HO—C_(x-y)-alkylenamino or H₂N—C_(x-y)-alkylenoxy.

Unlike alkyl, alkenyl consists of at least two carbon atoms, wherein at least two adjacent carbon atoms are joined together by a C—C double bond. If in an alkyl as hereinbefore defined having at least two carbon atoms, two hydrogen atoms on adjacent carbon atoms are formally removed and the free valencies are saturated to form a second bond, the corresponding alkenyl is formed.

Examples of alkenyl are vinyl (ethenyl), prop-1-enyl, allyl (prop-2-enyl), isopropenyl, but-1-enyl, but-2-enyl, but-3-enyl, 2-methyl-prop-2-enyl, 2-methyl-prop-1-enyl, 1-methyl-prop-2-enyl, 1-methyl-prop-1-enyl, 1-methylidenepropyl, pent-1-enyl, pent-2-enyl, pent-3-enyl, pent-4-enyl, 3-methyl-but-3-enyl, 3-methyl-but-2-enyl, 3-methyl-but-1-enyl, hex-1-enyl, hex-2-enyl, hex-3-enyl, hex-4-enyl, hex-5-enyl, 2,3-dimethyl-but-3-enyl, 2,3-dimethyl-but-2-enyl, 2-methylidene-3-methylbutyl, 2,3-dimethyl-but-1-enyl, hexa-1,3-dienyl, hexa-1,4-dienyl, penta-1,4-dienyl, penta-1,3-dienyl, buta-1,3-dienyl, 2,3-dimethylbuta-1,3-diene etc.

By the generic terms propenyl, butenyl, pentenyl, hexenyl, butadienyl, pentadienyl, hexadienyl, heptadienyl, octadienyl, nonadienyl, decadienyl etc. without any further definition are meant all the conceivable isomeric forms with the corresponding number of carbon atoms, i.e. propenyl includes prop-1-enyl and prop-2-enyl, butenyl includes but-1-enyl, but-2-enyl, but-3-enyl, 1-methyl-prop-1-enyl, 1-methyl-prop-2-enyl etc.

Alkenyl may optionally be present in the cis or trans or E or Z orientation with regard to the double bond(s).

The above definition for alkenyl also applies when alkenyl is part of another group such as for example in C_(x-y)-alkenylamino or C_(x-y)-alkenyloxy.

Unlike alkylene, alkenylene consists of at least two carbon atoms, wherein at least two adjacent carbon atoms are joined together by a C—C double bond. If in an alkylene as hereinbefore defined having at least two carbon atoms, two hydrogen atoms at adjacent carbon atoms are formally removed and the free valencies are saturated to form a second bond, the corresponding alkenylene is formed.

Examples of alkenylene are ethenylene, propenylene, 1-methylethenylene, butenylene, 1-methylpropenylene, 1,1-dimethylethenylene, 1,2-dimethylethenylene, pentenylene, 1,1-dimethylpropenylene, 2,2-dimethylpropenylene, 1,2-dimethylpropenylene, 1,3-dimethylpropenylene, hexenylene etc.

By the generic terms propenylene, butenylene, pentenylene, hexenylene etc. without any further definition are meant all the conceivable isomeric forms with the corresponding number of carbon atoms, i.e. propenylene includes 1-methylethenylene and butenylene includes 1-methylpropenylene, 2-methylpropenylene, 1,1-dimethylethenylene and 1,2-dimethylethenylene.

Alkenylene may optionally be present in the cis or trans or E or Z orientation with regard to the double bond(s).

The above definition for alkenylene also applies when alkenylene is a part of another group as in for example HO—C_(x-y)-alkenylenamino or H₂N—C_(x-y)-alkenylenoxy.

Unlike alkyl, alkynyl consists of at least two carbon atoms, wherein at least two adjacent carbon atoms are joined together by a C—C triple bond. If in an alkyl as hereinbefore defined having at least two carbon atoms, two hydrogen atoms in each case at adjacent carbon atoms are formally removed and the free valencies are saturated to form two further bonds, the corresponding alkynyl is formed.

Examples of alkynyl are ethynyl, prop-1-ynyl, prop-2-ynyl, but-1-ynyl, but-2-ynyl, but-3-ynyl, 1-methyl-prop-2-ynyl, pent-1-ynyl, pent-2-ynyl, pent-3-ynyl, pent-4-ynyl, 3-methyl-but-1-ynyl.

By the generic terms propynyl, butynyl, pentynyl, etc. without any further definition are meant all the conceivable isomeric forms with the corresponding number of carbon atoms, i.e. propynyl includes prop-1-ynyl and prop-2-ynyl, butynyl includes but-1-ynyl, but-2-ynyl, but-3-ynyl, 1-methyl-prop-1-ynyl, 1-methyl-prop-2-ynyl.

If a hydrocarbon chain carries both at least one double bond and also at least one triple bond, by definition it belongs to the alkynyl subgroup.

The above definition for alkynyl also applies if alkynyl is part of another group, as in C_(x-y)-alkynylamino or C_(x-y)-alkynyloxy, for example.

Unlike alkylene, alkynylene consists of at least two carbon atoms, wherein at least two adjacent carbon atoms are joined together by a C—C triple bond. If in an alkylene as hereinbefore defined having at least two carbon atoms, two hydrogen atoms in each case at adjacent carbon atoms are formally removed and the free valencies are saturated to form two further bonds, the corresponding alkynylene is formed.

Examples of alkynylene are ethynylene, propynylene, 1-methylethynylene, butynylene, 1-methylpropynylene, 1,1-dimethylethynylene, 1,2-dimethylethynylene, pentynylene, 1,1-dimethylpropynylene, 2,2-dimethylpropynylene, 1,2-dimethylpropynylene, 1,3-dimethylpropynylene, hexynylene etc.

By the generic terms propynylene, butynylene, pentynylene, etc. without any further definition are meant all the conceivable isomeric forms with the corresponding number of carbon atoms, i.e. propynylene includes 1-methylethynylene and butynylene includes 1-methylpropynylene, 2-methylpropynylene, 1,1-dimethylethynylene and 1,2-dimethylethynylene.

The above definition for alkynylene also applies if alkynylene is part of another group, as in HO—C_(x-y)-alkynyleneamino or H₂N—C_(x-y)-alkynyleneoxy, for example.

By heteroatoms are meant oxygen, nitrogen and sulphur atoms.

Haloalkyl (haloalkenyl, haloalkynyl) is derived from the previously defined alkyl (alkenyl, alkynyl) by replacing one or more hydrogen atoms of the hydrocarbon chain independently of one another by halogen atoms, which may be identical or different. If a haloalkyl (haloalkenyl, haloalkynyl) is to be further substituted, the substitutions may take place independently of one another, in the form of mono- or polysubstitutions in each case, on all the hydrogen-carrying carbon atoms.

Examples of haloalkyl (haloalkenyl, haloalkynyl) are —CF₃, —CHF₂, —CH₂F, —CF₂CF₃, —CHFCF₃, —CH₂CF₃, —CF₂CH₃, —CHFCH₃, —CF₂CF₂CF₃, —CF₂CH₂CH₃, —CF═CF₂, —CCl═CH₂, —CBr═CH₂, —CI═CH₂, —C≡C—CF₃, —CHFCH₂CH₃, —CHFCH₂CF₃ etc.

From the previously defined haloalkyl (haloalkenyl, haloalkynyl) are also derived the terms haloalkylene (haloalkenylene, haloalkynylene). Haloalkylene (haloalkenyl, haloalkynyl), unlike haloalkyl, is bivalent and requires two binding partners. Formally, the second valency is formed by removing a hydrogen atom from a haloalkyl.

Corresponding groups are for example —CH₂F and —CHF—, —CHFCH₂F and —CHFCHF— or >CFCH₂F etc.

The above definitions also apply if the corresponding halogen groups are part of another group.

Halogen relates to fluorine, chlorine, bromine and/or iodine atoms.

Cycloalkyl is made up of the subgroups monocyclic hydrocarbon rings, bicyclic hydrocarbon rings and spiro-hydrocarbon rings. The systems are saturated. In bicyclic hydrocarbon rings two rings are joined together so that they have at least two carbon atoms together. In spiro-hydrocarbon rings a carbon atom (spiroatom) belongs to two rings together. If a cycloalkyl is to be substituted, the substitutions may take place independently of one another, in the form of mono- or polysubstitutions in each case, on all the hydrogen-carrying carbon atoms.

Cycloalkyl itself may be linked as a substituent to the molecule via every suitable position of the ring system.

Examples of cycloalkyl are cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, bicyclo[2.2.0]hexyl, bicyclo[3.2.0]heptyl, bicyclo[3.2.1]octyl, bicyclo[2.2.2]octyl, bicyclo[4.3.0]nonyl (octahydroindenyl), bicyclo[4.4.0]decyl (decahydronaphthalene), bicyclo[2.2.1]heptyl (norbornyl), bicyclo[4.1.0]heptyl (norcaranyl), bicyclo-[3.1.1]heptyl (pinanyl), spiro[2.5]octyl, spiro[3.3]heptyl etc. The above definition for cycloalkyl also applies if cycloalkyl is part of another group as in C_(x-y)-cycloalkylamino or C_(x-y)-cycloalkyloxy, for example.

If the free valency of a cycloalkyl is saturated, then an alicyclic group is obtained.

The term cycloalkylene can thus be derived from the previously defined cycloalkyl. Cycloalkylene, unlike cycloalkyl, is bivalent and requires two binding partners. Formally, the second valency is obtained by removing a hydrogen atom from a cycloalkyl. Corresponding groups are for example

cyclohexyl and

(cyclohexylene).

The above definition for cycloalkylene also applies if cycloalkylene is part of another group as in HO—C_(x-y)-cycloalkyleneamino or H₂N—C_(x-y)-cycloalkyleneoxy, for example.

Cycloalkenyl is also made up of the subgroups monocyclic hydrocarbon rings, bicyclic hydrocarbon rings and spiro-hydrocarbon rings. However, the systems are unsaturated, i.e. there is at least one C—C double bond but no aromatic system. If in a cycloalkyl as hereinbefore defined two hydrogen atoms at adjacent cyclic carbon atoms are formally removed and the free valencies are saturated to form a second bond, the corresponding cycloalkenyl is obtained. If a cycloalkenyl is to be substituted, the substitutions may take place independently of one another, in the form of mono- or polysubstitutions in each case, on all the hydrogen-carrying carbon atoms. Cycloalkenyl itself may be linked as a substituent to the molecule via every suitable position of the ring system.

Examples of cycloalkenyl are cycloprop-1-enyl, cycloprop-2-enyl, cyclobut-1-enyl, cyclobut-2-enyl, cyclopent-1-enyl, cyclopent-2-enyl, cyclopent-3-enyl, cyclohex-1-enyl, cyclohex-2-enyl, cyclohex-3-enyl, cyclohept-1-enyl, cyclohept-2-enyl, cyclohept-3-enyl, cyclohept-4-enyl, cyclobuta-1,3-dienyl, cyclopenta-1,4-dienyl, cyclopenta-1,3-dienyl, cyclopenta-2,4-dienyl, cyclohexa-1,3-dienyl, cyclohexa-1,5-dienyl, cyclohexa-2,4-dienyl, cyclohexa-1,4-dienyl, cyclohexa-2,5-dienyl, bicyclo[2.2.1]hepta-2,5-dienyl (norborna-2,5-dienyl), bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-enyl (norbornenyl), spiro[4.5]dec-2-ene etc.

The above definition for cycloalkenyl also applies when cycloalkenyl is part of another group as in C_(x-y)-cycloalkenylamino or C_(x-y)-cycloalkenyloxy, for example. If the free valency of a cycloalkenyl is saturated, then an unsaturated alicyclic group is obtained.

The term cycloalkenylene can thus be derived from the previously defined cycloalkenyl. Cycloalkenylene, unlike cycloalkenyl, is bivalent and requires two binding partners. Formally the second valency is obtained by removing a hydrogen atom from a cycloalkenyl. Corresponding groups are for example

cyclopentenyl and

(cyclopentenylene) etc.

The above definition for cycloalkenylene also applies when cycloalkenylene is part of another group as in HO—C_(x-y)-cycloalkenyleneamino or H₂N—C_(x-y)-cycloalkenyleneoxy, for example.

Aryl denotes a mono-, bi- or tricyclic group with at least one aromatic carbocycle. Preferably it denotes a monocyclic group with six carbon atoms (phenyl) or a bicyclic group with nine or ten carbon atoms (two six-membered rings or one six-membered ring with a five-membered ring), wherein the second ring may also be aromatic or, however, may also be saturated or partially saturated. If an aryl is to be substituted, the substitutions may take place independently of one another, in the form of mono- or polysubstitutions in each case, on all the hydrogen-carrying carbon atoms. Aryl itself may be linked as a substituent to the molecule via every suitable position of the ring system.

Examples of aryl are phenyl, naphthyl, indanyl (2,3-dihydroindenyl), indenyl, anthracenyl, phenanthrenyl, tetrahydronaphthyl (1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthyl, tetralinyl), dihydronaphthyl (1,2-dihydronaphthyl), fluorenyl etc.

The above definition of aryl also applies when aryl is part of another group as in arylamino or aryloxy, for example.

If the free valency of an aryl is saturated, then an aromatic group is obtained.

The term arylene can also be derived from the previously defined aryl. Arylene, unlike aryl, is bivalent and requires two binding partners. Formally, the second valency is formed by removing a hydrogen atom from an aryl. Corresponding groups are e.g.

-   -   phenyl and

(o, m, p-phenylene), naphthyl and

The above definition for arylene also applies when arylene is part of another group as in HO-aryleneamino or H₂N-aryleneoxy for example.

Heterocyclyl denotes ring systems, which are derived from the previously defined cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl and aryl by replacing one or more of the groups —CH₂—independently of one another in the hydrocarbon rings by the groups —O—, —S— or —NH— or by replacing one or more of the groups ═CH— by the group ═N—, wherein a total of not more than five heteroatoms may be present, at least one carbon atom may be present between two oxygen atoms and between two sulphur atoms or between one oxygen and one sulphur atom and the ring as a whole must have chemical stability. Heteroatoms may optionally be present in all the possible oxidation stages (sulphur→sulphoxide —SO, sulphone —SO₂—; nitrogen→N-oxide).

A direct result of the derivation from cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl and aryl is that heterocyclyl is made up of the subgroups monocyclic heterorings, bicyclic heterorings, tricyclic heterorings and spiro-heterorings, which may be present in saturated or unsaturated form. Saturated and unsaturated, non aromatic, heterocyclyl are also defined as heterocycloalkyl. By unsaturated is meant that there is at least one double bond in the ring system in question, but no heteroaromatic system is formed. In bicyclic heterorings two rings are linked together so that they have at least two (hetero)atoms in common. In spiro-heterorings a carbon atom (spiroatom) belongs to two rings together. If a heterocyclyl is substituted, the substitutions may take place independently of one another, in the form of mono- or polysubstitutions in each case, on all the hydrogen-carrying carbon and/or nitrogen atoms. Heterocyclyl itself may be linked as a substituent to the molecule via every suitable position of the ring system.

When the heterocyclyl has a nitrogen atom, the preferred position to bind the heterocyclyl substituent to the molecule is the nitrogen atom.

Examples of heterocyclyl are tetrahydrofuryl, pyrrolidinyl, pyrrolinyl, imidazolidinyl, thiazolidinyl, imidazolinyl, pyrazolidinyl, pyrazolinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, oxiranyl, aziridinyl, azetidinyl, 1,4-dioxanyl, azepanyl, diazepanyl, morpholinyl, thiomorpholinyl, homomorpholinyl, homopiperidinyl, homopiperazinyl, homothiomorpholinyl, thiomorpholinyl-S-oxide, thiomorpholinyl-S,S-dioxide, 1,3-dioxolanyl, tetrahydropyranyl, tetrahydrothiopyranyl, [1.4]-oxazepanyl, tetrahydrothienyl, homothiomorpholinyl-S, S-dioxide, oxazolidinonyl, dihydropyrazolyl, dihydropyrrolyl, dihydropyrazinyl, dihydropyridyl, dihydro-pyrimidinyl, dihydrofuryl, dihydropyranyl, tetrahydrothienyl-S-oxide, tetrahydrothienyl-S, S-dioxide, homothiomorpholinyl-S-oxide, 2,3-dihydroazet, 2H-pyrrolyl, 4H-pyranyl, 1,4-dihydropyridinyl, 8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octyl, 8-azabicyclo[5.1.0]octyl, 2-oxa-5-azabicyclo[2.2.1]-heptyl, 8-oxa-3-aza-bicyclo[3.2.1]octyl, 3,8-diaza-bicyclo[3.2.1]octyl, 2,5-diaza-bicyclo-[2.1.1]heptyl, 1-aza-bicyclo[2.2.2]octyl, 3,8-diaza-bicyclo[3.2.1]octyl, 3,9-diaza-bicyclo[4.2.1]nonyl, 2,6-diaza-bicyclo[3.2.2]nonyl, 1,4-dioxa-spiro[4.5]-decyl, 1-oxa-3.8-diaza-spiro[4.5]decyl, 2,6-diaza-spiro[3.3]heptyl, 2,7-diaza-spiro[4.4]nonyl, 2,6-diaza-spiro[3.4]octyl, 3,9-diaza-spiro[5.5]undecyl, 2.8-diaza-spiro[4.5]decyl etc.

Further examples are the structures illustrated below, which may be attached via each hydrogen-carrying atom (exchanged for hydrogen):

The above definition of heterocyclyl also applies if heterocyclyl is part of another group as in heterocyclylamino or heterocyclyloxy for example.

If the free valency of a heterocyclyl is saturated, then a heterocyclic group is obtained.

The term heterocyclylene is also derived from the previously defined heterocyclyl. Heterocyclylene, unlike heterocyclyl, is bivalent and requires two binding partners. Formally, the second valency is obtained by removing a hydrogen atom from a heterocyclyl. Corresponding groups are for example

-   -   piperidinyl and

2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolyl and

The above definition of heterocyclylene also applies if heterocyclylene is part of another group as in HO-heterocyclyleneamino or H₂N-heterocyclyleneoxy for example.

Heteroaryl denotes monocyclic heteroaromatic rings or polycyclic rings with at least one heteroaromatic ring, which compared with the corresponding aryl or cycloalkyl (cycloalkenyl) contain, instead of one or more carbon atoms, one or more identical or different heteroatoms, selected independently of one another from among nitrogen, sulphur and oxygen, wherein the resulting group must be chemically stable. The prerequisite for the presence of heteroaryl is a heteroatom and a heteroaromatic system. If a heteroaryl is to be substituted, the substitutions may take place independently of one another, in the form of mono- or polysubstitutions in each case, on all the hydrogen-carrying carbon and/or nitrogen atoms. Heteroaryl itself may be linked as a substituent to the molecule via every suitable position of the ring system, both carbon and nitrogen.

Examples of heteroaryl are furyl, thienyl, pyrrolyl, oxazolyl, thiazolyl, isoxazolyl, isothiazolyl, pyrazolyl, imidazolyl, triazolyl, tetrazolyl, oxadiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, pyridyl, pyrimidyl, pyridazinyl, pyrazinyl, triazinyl, pyridyl-N-oxide, pyrrolyl-N-oxide, pyrimidinyl-N-oxide, pyridazinyl-N-oxide, pyrazinyl-N-oxide, imidazolyl-N-oxide, isoxazolyl-N-oxide, oxazolyl-N-oxide, thiazolyl-N-oxide, oxadiazolyl-N-oxide, thiadiazolyl-N-oxide, triazolyl-N-oxide, tetrazolyl-N-oxide, indolyl, isoindolyl, benzofuryl, benzothienyl, benzoxazolyl, benzothiazolyl, benzisoxazolyl, benzisothiazolyl, benzimidazolyl, indazolyl, isoquinolinyl, quinolinyl, quinoxalinyl, cinnolinyl, phthalazinyl, quinazolinyl, benzotriazinyl, indolizinyl, oxazolopyridyl, imidazopyridyl, naphthyridinyl, benzoxazolyl, pyridopyridyl, purinyl, pteridinyl, benzothiazolyl, imidazopyridyl, imidazothiazolyl, quinolinyl-N-oxide, indolyl-N-oxide, isoquinolyl-N-oxide, quinazolinyl-N-oxide, quinoxalinyl-N-oxide, phthalazinyl-N-oxide, indolizinyl-N-oxide, indazolyl-N-oxide, benzothiazolyl-N-oxide, benzimidazolyl-N-oxide etc.

Further examples are the structures illustrated below, which may be attached via each hydrogen-carrying atom (exchanged for hydrogen):

The above definition of heteroaryl also applies when heteroaryl is part of another group as in heteroarylamino or heteroaryloxy, for example.

If the free valency of a heteroaryl is saturated, a heteroaromatic group is obtained.

The term heteroarylene can therefore be derived from the previously defined heteroaryl. Heteroarylene, unlike heteroaryl, is bivalent and requires two binding partners. Formally, the second valency is obtained by removing a hydrogen atom from a heteroaryl. Corresponding groups are for example

pyrrolyl and

The above definition of heteroarylene also applies when heteroarylene is part of another group as in HO-heteroaryleneamino or H₂N-heteroaryleneoxy, for example.

The bivalent groups mentioned above (alkylene, alkenylene, alkynylene etc.) may also be part of composite groups (e.g. H₂N—C₁₋₄alkylene- or HO—C₁₋₄alkylene-). In this case one of the valencies is saturated by the attached group (here: —NH₂, —OH), so that a composite group of this kind written in this way is only a monovalent substituent over all.

By substituted is meant that a hydrogen atom which is bound directly to the atom under consideration, is replaced by another atom or another group of atoms (substituent). Depending on the starting conditions (number of hydrogen atoms) mono- or polysubstitution may take place on one atom. Substitution with a particular substituent is only possible if the permitted valencies of the substituent and of the atom that is to be substituted correspond to one another and the substitution leads to a stable compound (i.e. to a compound which is not converted spontaneously, e.g. by rearrangement, cyclisation or elimination).

Bivalent substituents such as ═S, ═NR, ═NOR, ═NNRR, ═NN(R)C(O)NRR, ═N₂ or the like, may only be substituted at carbon atoms, wherein the bivalent substituent ═O may also be a substituent at sulphur. Generally, substitution may be carried out by a bivalent substituent only at ring systems and requires replacement by two geminal hydrogen atoms, i.e. hydrogen atoms that are bound to the same carbon atom that is saturated prior to the substitution. Substitution by a bivalent substituent is therefore only possible at the group —CH₂— or sulphur atoms of a ring system.

Stereochemistry/Solvates/Hydrates:

Unless stated otherwise a structural formula given in the description or in the claims or a chemical name refers to the corresponding compound itself, but also encompasses the tautomers, stereoisomers, optical and geometric isomers (e.g. enantiomers, diastereomers, E/Z isomers, etc.), racemates, mixtures of separate enantiomers in any desired combinations, mixtures of diastereomers, mixtures of the forms mentioned hereinbefore (if such forms exist) as well as salts, particularly pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The compounds and salts according to the invention may be present in solvated form (e.g. with pharmaceutically acceptable solvents such as e.g. water, ethanol etc.) or in unsolvated form. Generally, for the purposes of the present invention the solvated forms, e.g. hydrates, are to be regarded as of equal value to the unsolvated forms.

Salts:

The term “pharmaceutically acceptable” is used herein to denote compounds, materials, compositions and/or formulations which are suitable, according to generally recognised medical opinion, for use in conjunction with human and/or animal tissue and do not have or give rise to any excessive toxicity, irritation or immune response or lead to other problems or complications, i.e. correspond overall to an acceptable risk/benefit ratio.

The term “pharmaceutically acceptable salts” relates to derivatives of the chemical compounds disclosed in which the parent compound is modified by the addition of acid or base. Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable salts include (without being restricted thereto) salts of mineral or organic acids in relation to basic functional groups such as for example amines, alkali metal or organic salts of acid functional groups such as for example carboxylic acids, etc. These salts include in particular acetate, ascorbate, benzenesulphonate, benzoate, besylate, bicarbonate, bitartrate, bromide/hydrobromide, Ca-edetate/edetate, camsylate, carbonate, chloride/hydrochloride, citrate, edisylate, ethane disulphonate, estolate, esylate, fumarate, gluceptate, gluconate, glutamate, glycolate, glycollylarsnilate, hexylresorcinate, hydrabamine, hydroxymaleate, hydroxynaphthoate, iodide, isothionate, lactate, lactobionate, malate, maleate, mandelate, methanesulphonate, mesylate, methylbromide, methylnitrate, methylsulphate, mucate, napsylate, nitrate, oxalate, pamoate, pantothenate, phenyl acetate, phosphate/diphosphate, polygalacturonate, propionate, salicylate, stearate, subacetate, succinate, sulphamide, sulphate, tannate, tartrate, teoclate, toluenesulphonate, triethiodide, ammonium, benzathine, chloroprocaine, choline, diethanolamine, ethylenediamine, meglumin and procaine. Other pharmaceutically acceptable salts may be formed with cations of metals such as aluminium, calcium, lithium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, zinc, etc. (cf. also Pharmaceutical salts, Birge, S. M. et al., J. Pharm. Sci., (1977), 66, 1-19).

The pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the present invention may be prepared starting from the parent compound which carries a basic or acidic functionality, by conventional chemical methods. Generally, such salts may be synthesised by reacting the free acid or base form of these compounds with a sufficient amount of the corresponding base or acid in water or an organic solvent such as for example ether, ethyl acetate, ethanol, isopropanol, acetonitrile (or mixtures thereof).

Salts of acids other than those mentioned above, which are useful for example for purifying or isolating the compounds from the reaction mixtures (e.g. trifluoroacetates), are also to be regarded as part of the invention.

In a representation such as for example

the letter A has the function of a ring designation in order to make it easier, for example, to indicate the attachment of the ring in question to other rings.

For bivalent groups in which it is crucial to determine which adjacent groups they bind and with which valency, the corresponding binding partners are indicated in brackets, where necessary for clarification purposes, as in the following representations:

or (R²)—C(O)NH— or (R²)—NHC(O)—;

Groups or substituents are frequently selected from among a number of alternative groups/substituents with a corresponding group designation (e.g. R^(a), R^(b) etc). If such a group is used repeatedly to define a compound according to the invention in different molecular parts, it must always be borne in mind that the various uses are to be regarded as totally independent of one another.

By a therapeutically effective amount for the purposes of this invention is meant a quantity of substance that is capable of obviating symptoms of illness or of preventing or alleviating these symptoms, or which prolong the survival of a treated patient.

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

ACN, CH₃CN acetonitrile BINAP 2,2′-bis(diphenylphosphino)-1,1′-binaphthyl Boc tert.butoxy carbonyl; di-tert-butyl dicarbonate Boc₂O Boc anhydride CO carbon monoxide DCM dichloromethane dppf 1,1′-Bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene DIPEA diisopropylethyl amine DMAP dimethyl-pyridin-4-yl-amine DMF N,N-dimethylformamide DMSO dimethylsulphoxide EDTA ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid EtOAc or EA ethyl acetate FCS Fetal calf serum h hour(s) Hal halogen HATU N-[(dimethylamino)-(1H-1,2,3-triazolo[4,5- b]pyridin-1-yl)-methylene]-N-methylmethan- aminium hexafluorophosphate N-oxide HPLC high performance liquid chromatography K₂CO₃ potassium carbonate KOAc potassium acetate LiHMDS lithium hexamethyl disilazide M Molar (mol/L) Min minute(s) ml milliliter MS mass spectrometry N Normal Na₂SO₄ sodium sulfate NMR nuclear resonance spectroscopy Pd₂dba₃ tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium(0) Pd(dppf)Cl₂•CH₂Cl₂ [1,1′-Bis(diphenylphosphino)- ferrocene]dichloropalladium(II), dichloromethane PE petrol ether PPh3 triphenylphosphine DIBAL diisobutylaluminium hydride RP reversed phase Rpm rounds per minute RT or rt room temperature STAB sodium triacetoxy borohydride TBME tert.butyl methyl ether TBTU o-Benzotriazol-1-yl-N,N,N′,N′- tetramethyluronium tetrafluoroborate TEA triethylamine tert tertiary TFA trifluoroacetic acid THF tetrahydrofuran tR retention time [min] TRIS tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane wt % weight percent sat. Saturated Ar aromatic

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed Examples which exemplarily illustrate the principles of the invention without restricting its scope.

General

Unless stated otherwise, all the reactions are carried out in commercially obtainable apparatus using methods that are commonly used in chemical laboratories. Starting materials that are sensitive to air and/or moisture are stored under protective gas and corresponding reactions and manipulations therewith are carried out under protective gas (nitrogen or argon).

The compounds are named according to the Beilstein rules using the Autonom software (Beilstein). If a compound is to be represented both by a structural formula and by its nomenclature, in the event of a conflict the structural formula is decisive.

Chromatography

Thin layer chromatography is carried out on ready-made TLC plates of silica gel 60 on glass (with fluorescence indicator F-254) made by Merck.

The preparative high pressure chromatography (HPLC) of the example compounds according to the invention is carried out with columns made by Waters (names: Sunfire C18 OBD, 10 μm, 30×100 mm Part. No. 186003971; X-Bridge C18 OBD, 10 μm, 30×100 mm Part. No. 186003930). The compounds are eluted using different gradients of H₂O/ACN wherein 0.2% HCOOH is added to the water (acid conditions). For chromatography under basic conditions the water is made basic according to the following recipe: 5 ml of ammonium hydrogen carbonate solution (158 g to 1 L H₂O) and 2 ml 32% ammonia_((aq)) are made up to 1 L with H₂O.

The analytical HPLC (reaction monitoring) of intermediate compounds is carried out with columns made by Waters and Phenomenex. The analytical equipment is also provided with a mass detector in each case.

HPLC Mass Spectroscopy/UV Spectrometry

The retention times/MS-ESI⁺ for characterising the example compounds according to the invention are produced using an HPLC-MS apparatus (high performance liquid chromatography with mass detector) made by Agilent. Compounds that elute at the injection peak are given the retention time t_(Ret.)=0.

HPLC Preparative Methods

prep. HPLC1

HPLC: 333 and 334 Pumps Column: Waters X-Bridge C18 OBD, 10 μm, 30 × 100 mm, Part. No. 186003930 Solvent: A: 10 mM NH₄HCO₃ in H₂O; B: Acetonitril (HPLC grade) Detection: UV/Vis-155 Flow: 50 ml/min Gradient: 0.00-1.50 min:  1.5% B 1.50-7.50 min: varying 7.50-9.00 min: 100% B prep. HPLC2

HPLC: 333 and 334 Pumps Column: Waters Sunfire C18 OBD, 10 μm, 30 × 100 mm, Part. No. 186003971 Solvent: A: H₂O + 0.2% HCOOH; B: Acetonitril (HPLC grade) + 0.2% HCOOH Detection: UV/Vis-155 Flow: 50 ml/min Gradient: 0.00-1.50 min:  1.5% B 1.50-7.50 min: varying 7.50-9.00 min: 100% B HPLC Analytical Methods LCMS BAS1

HPLC: Agilent 1100 Series MS: Agilent LC/MSD SL Column: Phenomenex Mercury Gemini C18, 3 μm, 2 × 20 mm, Part. No. 00M-4439-B0-CE Solvent: A: 5 mM NH₄HCO₃/20 mM NH₃ in H₂O; B: Acetonitril (HPLC grade) Detection: MS: Positive and negative mode Mass range: 120-900 m/z Flow: 1.00 ml/min Column temperature: 40° C. Gradient: 0.00-2.50 min:  5% → 95% B 2.50-2.80 min: 95% B 2.81-3.10 min: 95% → 5% B VAB

HPLC: Agilent 1100/1200 Series MS: Agilent LC/MSD SL Column: Waters X-Bridge BEH C18, 2.5 μm, 2.1 × 30 mm XP Solvent: A: 5 mM NH₄HCO₃/19 mM NH₃ in H₂O; B: Acetonitril (HPLC grade) Detection: MS: Positive and negative mode Mass range: 100-1200 m/z Flow: 1.40 ml/min Column temperature: 45° C. Gradient: 0.00-1.00 min:  5% → 100% B 1.00-1.37 min: 100% B 1.37-1.40 min: 100% → 5% B METHOD 85_GVK

HPLC: Water UPLC MS: Micromass Triple quad Column: Waters X-Bridge C18, 3.5 μm, 4.6 × 150 mm Solvent: A: 10 mM NH₄HCO₃ in H₂O; B: Acetonitril (HPLC grade) Detection: ES/APCI MODE Mass range: 120-900 m/z Flow: 1.00 ml/min Column temperature: 25° C. Gradient:  0.00-1.50 min:  5%  1.50-3.00 min:  5% → 15% B  3.00-7.00 min: 15% → 55% B  7.00-10.00 min: 55% → 95% B 10.00-14.00 min: 95% B 14.00-17.00 min: 95% → 5% B RND-FA-4.5-MIN

HPLC: Water UPLC MS: Micromass Triple quad Column: Aquity UPLC BEH C18, 1.7 μm, 2.1 × 100 mm Solvent: A: 0.1% formic acid in water, B: 0.1% formic acid in Acetonitrile; Detection: ES/APCI MODE Flow: 0.6 ml/min Column temperature: 35° C. Gradient: 0.00-0.40 min:  3 B % 0.40-3.20 min:  3% → 98% B 3.20-3.80 min: 98% B 3.80-4.20 min: 98% → 3% B 4.20-4.50 min:  3% B

PREPARATION OF THE COMPOUNDS ACCORDING TO THE INVENTION

The compounds according to the invention are prepared by the methods of synthesis described hereinafter, in which the substituents of the general formula have the meanings given hereinbefore. These methods are intended as an illustration of the invention, without restricting its subject matter and the scope of the compounds claimed to these examples. Where the preparation of starting compounds is not described, they are commercially obtainable or may be prepared analogously to known compounds or methods described herein. Substances described in the literature are prepared according to the published methods of synthesis.

Unless otherwise specified, the substituents R¹ through R⁹, X and A of the following reaction schemes are as defined in the description and claims.

The synthesis of key intermediate D from starting material A is illustrated in Scheme 1.

Starting materials A (X₂=CH, Hal=Br or X₂=N, Hal=Br) are commercially available. Starting from A, an alkylation can be used to introduce the second methyl group, which leads to B. Compound C can be synthesized applying a carbonylation reaction using carbon monoxide. After cleavage of the ester the central intermediate D can be obtained.

The synthesis of compounds of formula I-III from key intermediate D and E-1-E-3 is illustrated in Scheme 2.

The acid D is activated using the typical reagents (e.g. TBTU or HATU) or by in situ reaction to the acid chloride. The activated acid is than coupled with the corresponding aromatic diamine E-1-E-3 followed by a ring closing reaction using acetic acid or poly phosphoric acid.

Preparation of Intermediate D-1 1,5-Dimethyl-6-oxo-1,6-dihydropyridine-3-carboxylic acid

Reaction scheme:

5-Bromo-1,3-dimethyl-1H-pyridin-2-one B-1

To a suspension of 5-bromo-2-hydroxy-3-methyl pyridine A1 (1.000 g; 5.053 mmol) and potassium carbonate (1.397 g; 10.105 mmol) in DMF (5.000 ml) is carefully added iodomethane (0.346 ml; 5.558 mmol). The reaction mixture is stirred overnight (16 h) at room temperature. The reaction mixture is then quenched with 10% ammonia solution (10 ml) and 30 ml water is added. It is extracted with 3×50 ml EtOAc. The combined organic layer is dried with Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to afford the product.

Yield: 98% (1.0 g; 4.95 mmol)

HPLC-MS: (M+H)⁺=202/204; t_(Ret)=0.65 min; method LCMS BAS1

1,5-Dimethyl-6-oxo-1,6-dihydro-pyridine-3-carboxylic acid methyl ester C-1

In the carbonylation reactor from Büchi Glas Uster, 5-Bromo-1,3-dimethyl-1H-pyridin-2-one B-1 (3.300 g; 16.006 mmol) is dissolved in MeOH (80.000 ml) and TEA (5.399 ml; 40.015 mmol) is added. Then Pd(dppf)Cl₂.CH₂Cl₂ (389.000 mg; 0.476 mmol) is added and the reactor is closed and filled with carbon monoxide (8 bar). The reactor is heated to 70° C. and stirred overnight 18 h. The reaction mixture is filtered through a small pad of silica and washed with ethyl acetate. The filtrate is concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue is purified on silica chromatography Combiflash (Column: Redisep Rf, 120 g; gradient: cHex/EtOAc=100%/0% to 50%/50%; flow rate=30 ml/min, 28 column volumes; detection wavelength: 254 nm). The product containing fractions are combined and concentrated under reduce pressure.

Yield: 90% (2.6 g; 14.35 mmol)

HPLC-MS: (M+H)⁺=182; t_(Ret)=0.49 min; method LCMS BAS1

1,5-Dimethyl-6-oxo-1,6-dihydro-pyridine-3-carboxylic acid D-1

1,5-Dimethyl-6-oxo-1,6-dihydro-pyridine-3-carboxylic acid methyl ester C-1 (2.60 g; 14.35 mmol) is suspended in MeOH. Sodium hydroxide (1 M solution, 45 ml; 45.00 mmol) is added and the reaction mixture is heated up to 100° C. (Drysyn, reflux) for 2 h. MeOH is removed under reduced pressure and 1N HCl (46 ml) is added to the solution, precipitation occurs. The precipitate is filtered off and dried under reduced pressure.

Yield: 98% (2.34 g; 14.00 mmol)

HPLC-MS: (M+H)⁺=168; t_(Ret)=0 min; method LCMS BAS1

According to the procedure of D-1 the intermediates D-2 is synthesized.

MS (M + H)⁺; HPLC- # Structure t_(Ret.) HPLC [min] Method D-1

M + H = 168; t_(Ret.) = 0 min LCMS BAS1 D-2

M + H = 167; t_(Ret.) = 0 min LCMS BAS1

General Method for Preparation of Compounds of Formula I Method 1 2-(1,5-Dimethyl-6-oxo-1,6-dihydro-pyridin-3-yl)-3-((S)-2-methoxy-1-methyl-ethyl)-5,7,7-trimethyl-5,7-dihydro-3H-imidazo[4,5-f]indol-6-one I-1

1,5-Dimethyl-6-oxo-1,6-dihydro-pyridine-3-carboxylic acid [6-((S)-2-methoxy-1-methyl-ethylamino)-1,3,3-trimethyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-5-yl]-amide I-1′

1,5-dimethyl-6-oxo-1,6-dihydro-pyridine-3-carboxylic acid D1 (47 mg; 0.28 mmol), is dissolved in NMP (500 μl) and DIPEA (135 μl; 0.85 mmol) and HATU (111 mg; 0.29 mmol) is added. The reaction mixture is stirred at ambient temperature for 15 min. 5-Amino-6-((S)-2-methoxy-1-methyl-ethylamino)-1,3,3-trimethyl-1,3-dihydro-indol-2-one E-1.1 (85 mg; 0.31 mmol) dissolved in NMP (500 μl) is added and stirring is continued for 12 h at ambient temperature. The reaction mixture is poured on water and extracted with DCM once. The organic phase is dried with MgSO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure.

Yield: 93% (110 mg; 0.26 mmol)

HPLC-MS: (M+H)⁺=427; t_(Ret)=0.72 min; method VAB

2-(1,5-Dimethyl-6-oxo-1,6-dihydro-pyridin-3-yl)-3-((S)-2-methoxy-1-methyl-ethyl)-5,7,7-trimethyl-5,7-dihydro-3H-imidazo[4,5-f]indol-6-one I-1

1,5-Dimethyl-6-oxo-1,6-dihydro-pyridine-3-carboxylic acid [6-((S)-2-methoxy-1-methyl-ethylamino)-1,3,3-trimethyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-5-yl]-amide I-1′ (110 mg; 0.26 mmol) is dissolved in 2 ml acetic acid and stirred at 150° C. for 1 h. The solvent is evaporated and the crude product is purified using reversed phase chromatography (Method: prep. HPLC1).

Yield: 62% (65 mg; 0.16 mmol)

HPLC-MS: (M+H)⁺=409; t_(Ret)=0.92 min; method LCMS BAS1

Method 2 2-(1,5-Dimethyl-6-oxo-1,6-dihydro-pyridin-3-yl)-5-isopropyl-7,7-dimethyl-3-((S)-1-phenyl-ethyl)-5,7-dihydro-3H-imidazo[4,5-f]indol-6-one I-2

1,5-Dimethyl-6-oxo-1,6-dihydro-pyridine-3-carboxylic acid [1-isopropyl-3,3-dimethyl-2-oxo-6-((S)-1-phenyl-ethylamino)-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-5-yl]-amide I-2′

1,5-Dimethyl-6-oxo-1,6-dihydro-pyridine-3-carboxylic acid D1 (52 mg; 0.31 mmol) is suspended in 30 ml thionyl chloride and heated for 15 h at 60° C. The reaction mixture is concentrated under reduced pressure. 5-Amino-1-isopropyl-3,3-dimethyl-6-((S)-1-phenyl-ethylamino)-1,3-dihydro-ndol-2-one E-1.2 (105 mg; 0.31 mmol) is dissolved in 5 ml THF and DIPEA (162 μl; 1.00 mmol) is added. To this reaction mixture the acid chloride dissolved in 2 ml THF is added and the resulting reaction mixture is stirred for 12 h at 20° C. The solvent is evaporated and the crude product is purified using reversed phase chromatography (Method: prep. HPLC1).

Yield: 94% (140 mg; 0.29 mmol)

HPLC-MS: (M+H)⁺=487; t_(Ret)=1.22 min; method LCMS BAS1

2-(1,5-Dimethyl-6-oxo-1,6-dihydro-pyridin-3-yl)-5-isopropyl-7,7-dimethyl-3-((S)-1-phenyl-ethyl)-5,7-dihydro-3H-imidazo[4,5-f]indol-6-one I-2

1,5-Dimethyl-6-oxo-1,6-dihydro-pyridine-3-carboxylic acid [1-isopropyl-3,3-dimethyl-2-oxo-6-((S)-1-phenyl-ethylamino)-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-5-yl]-amide I-2′ (100 mg; 0.21 mmol) is dissolved in 2 ml acetic acid and stirred at 120° C. for 7 h. The solvent is evaporated and the crude product is purified using reversed phase chromatography (Method: prep. HPLC2).

Yield: 38% (37 mg; 0.08 mmol)

HPLC-MS: (M+H)⁺=469; t_(Ret)=1.20 min; method LCMS BAS1

According to the procedures of I-1 or I-2 the following examples are synthesized.

MS (M + H)⁺; # Structure t_(Ret.) HPLC [min] HPLC-Method I-1

M + H = 409 t_(Ret.) = 0.92 LCMS BAS1 I-2

M + H = 469; t_(Ret.) = 1.20 LCMS BAS1 I-3

M + H = 428; t_(Ret.) = 0.90 LCMS BAS1 I-4

M + H = 437; t_(Ret.) = 1.06 LCMS BAS1 I-5

M + H = 470; t_(Ret.) = 1.26 LCMS BAS1 I-6

M + H = 442; t_(Ret.) = 1.13 LCMS BAS1 I-7

M + H = 441; t_(Ret.) = 1.07 LCMS BAS1 I-8

M + H = 455; t_(Ret.) = 1.13 LCMS BAS1 I-9

M + H = 467; t_(Ret.) = 1.18 LCMS BAS1 I-10

M + H = 442; t_(Ret.) = 1.01 LCMS BAS1 II-1

M + H = 441; t_(Ret.) = 1.01 LCMS BAS1 III-1

M + H = 412; t_(Ret.) = 1.07 LCMS BAS1 III-2

M + H = 426; t_(Ret.) = 1.14 LCMS BAS1 III-3

M + H = 426; t_(Ret.) = 1.13 LCMS BAS1

Preparation of Intermediate of Formula E-1 5-Amino-1-isopropyl-3,3-dimethyl-6-((S)-1-phenyl-ethylamino)-1,3-dihydro-ndol-2-one E-1.2

6-Fluoro-1-isopropyl-1H-indole-2,3-dione E-1.2′″″

To a stirred solution of 6-Fluoro-1H-indole-2,3-dione E-1.2″″″ (55.0 g; 333.1 mmol) in DMF (550 ml) is added K₂CO₃ (55.2 g; 399.7 mmol) and 2-Iodo-propane (73.6 g; 433.0 mmol) at 25° C. The reaction mixture is stirred at 25° C. for 16 h. Then the mixture is diluted with water and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was concentrated under reduced pressure to obtain crude compound. The crude was purified by column chromatography using silicagel (230-400 μM) with eluting mixture of ethyl acetate and hexane.

Yield: 51% (35.0 g; 169.0 mmol)

HPLC-MS: (M+H)+=208; t_(Ret)=2.02 min; method RND-FA-4.5-MIN

6-Fluoro-1-isopropyl-1,3-dihydro-indol-2-one E-1.2″″

To a stirred solution of 6-Fluoro-1-isopropyl-1H-indole-2,3-dione E-1.2′″″ (35.0 g; 169.0 mmol) in ethanol (1100 ml) Hydrazine hydrate (550 ml) is added at 25° C.

The reaction mixture is heated at 110° C. for 16 h. The reaction mixture is concentrated and the crude material was diluted with water and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was concentrated under reduced pressure to obtain the crude compound, which is purified by column chromatography using silicagel (230-400 μM) with eluting mixture of ethyl acetate and hexane.

Yield: 47% (15.3 g; 79.4 mmol)

HPLC-MS: (M+H)+=194; t_(Ret)=2.06 min; method RND-FA-4.5-MIN

6-Fluoro-1-isopropyl-3,3-dimethyl-1,3-dihydro-indol-2-one E-1.2′″

To a stirred solution of 6-Fluoro-1-isopropyl-1,3-dihydro-indol-2-one E-1.2″″ (24.0 g; 124.4 mmol) in THF (480 ml) is added sodium hydride (9.5 g; 397.5 mmol) portion wise at 0° C. The reaction mixture is stirred 25° C. for 20 min and then methyl iodide (24.8 ml; 385.1 mmol) is added drop wise. After 1 h stirring at 25° C. the reaction mixture is poured in to sat. NH4Cl solution and extracted with ethyl acetate twice. The combined organic layers were dried over sodium sulfate and the solvent is evaporated under reduced pressure. The crude compound was purified by column chromatography using silica gel (230-400 μM) with eluting mixture of ethyl acetate and hexane.

Yield: 62% (17.0 g; 76.9 mmol)

HPLC-MS: (M+H)+=222; t_(Ret)=2.42 min; method RND-FA-4.5-MIN

6-Fluoro-1-isopropyl-3,3-dimethyl-5-nitro-1,3-dihydro-indol-2-one E-1.2″

To a stirred solution of 6-Fluoro-1-isopropyl-3,3-dimethyl-1,3-dihydro-indol-2-one E-1.2′″ (17.0 g; 76.9 mmol) in acetic acid (550 ml) was added fuming HNO₃ (8.5 g; 134.9 mmol) at 25° C. The reaction mixture is stirred for 15 min at 25° C. and then concentrate H₂SO₄ (17.0 g; 173.5 mmol) is added and the mixture is stirred for 30 min at 25° C. After completion of the reaction the reaction mixture was poured in to ice cold water. The obtained solid was filtered and dried. The solid was recrystallized with ethyl acetate to obtain pure compound.

Yield: 49% (10.0 g; 37.6 mmol)

HPLC-MS: (M+H)+=267; t_(Ret)=10.77 min; method: METHOD 85_GVK

1-Isopropyl-3,3-dimethyl-5-nitro-6-((S)-1-phenyl-ethylamino)-1,3-dihydro-indol-2-one E-1.2′

6-Fluoro-1-isopropyl-3,3-dimethyl-5-nitro-1,3-dihydro-indol-2-one E-1.2″ (4.5 g; 16.5 mmol) is dissolved in NMP (20 ml), DIPEA (4.0 ml; 22.3 mmol) and (S)-1-Phenyl-ethylamine (2.65 ml; 20.1 mmol) is added at 20° C. The reaction mixture is stirred for 3 h at 50° C. The reaction mixture is poured into water and extracted with DCM. The combined organic layer is dried over MgSO₄ and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude compound was purified by column chromatography using silica gel (50 μM) with eluting mixture of ethyl acetate and cyclohexane.

Yield 95% (5.76 g; 15.7 mmol)

HPLC-MS: (M+H)+=327; t_(Ret)=1.22 min; method LCMS BAS1

5-Amino-1-isopropyl-3,3-dimethyl-6-((S)-1-phenyl-ethylamino)-1,3-dihydro-ndol-2-one E-1.2

1-Isopropyl-3,3-dimethyl-5-nitro-6-((S)-1-phenyl-ethylamino)-1,3-dihydro-indol-2-one E-1.2′ (5.76 g; 15.7 mmol) is dissolved in THF (50 ml) and filled into a Büchi autoclave. RaNi (500 mg) is added and hydrogenated at 6 bar for 16 h. The reaction mixture is filtered through a plug of celite and the filtrate is concentrated under reduced pressure.

Yield 74% (3.770 g; 11.326 mmol)

HPLC-MS: (M+H)+=338; t_(Ret)=0.84 min; method VAB

5′-amino-6′-{[(1S)-1-phenylethyl]amino}-1′-(propan-2-yl)-1′,2′-dihydrospiro[cyclopropane-1,3′-indole]-2′-one E-1.7

2-Bromo-5-fluoro-N-(propan-2-yl)aniline E-1.7′″″

2-bromo-5-fluoroaniline E-1.7″″″ (2.00 g; 10.53 mmol) is suspended in 20 ml DCM and propan-2-one (1.55 ml; 21.05) is added and the reaction mixture is stirred for 16 at 20° C. Afterwards sodium triacetoxyborohydride (4.69 g; 21.05 mmol) is added and the reaction mixture is stirred for 48 h at 20° C. The reaction mixture is poured into water and extracted with DCM. The combined organic layer is dried over MgSO₄ the solid materials are filtered off and HCl in dioxane is added until the pH value is below 2. The solvents are concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product is purified using reversed phase chromatography (Method: prep. HPLC1). Product containing fractions are combined and extracted with DCM. To the organic layer HCl in dioxane is added until the pH value is below 2. The solvents are concentrated under reduced pressure.

Yield 91% (2.57 g; 9.58 mmol)

HPLC-MS: t_(Ret)=1.09 min; method VAB

N-(2-bromo-5-fluorophenyl)-N-(propan-2-yl)cyclopropanecarboxamide E-1.7″″

2-Bromo-5-fluoro-N-(propan-2-yl)aniline E-1.7′″″ (2.20 g; 9.48 mmol) is suspended in 5 ml DCM and DIPEA (8.2 ml; 47.40 mmol) is added. Afterwards cyclopropanecarbonyl chloride (3.44 ml; 75.84 mmol) is added and the reaction mixture is stirred for 24 h at 20° C. The reaction mixture is poured into water and extracted with DCM. The combined organic layer is dried over MgSO₄ and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product is purified using reversed phase chromatography (Method: prep. HPLC1).

Yield 33% (950 mg; 3.17 mmol)

HPLC-MS: (M+H)+=300/302; t_(Ret)=0.98 min; method VAB

6′-fluoro-1′-(propan-2-yl)-1′,2′-dihydrospiro[cyclopropane-1,3′-indole]-2′-one E-1.7′″

N-(2-bromo-5-fluorophenyl)-N-(propan-2-yl)cyclopropanecarboxamide E-1.7″″ (500 mg; 1.67 mmol), palladium acetate (19 mg; 0.08 mmol), tricyclohexylphosphine (24 mg; 0.08 mmol), potassium carbonate (345 mg; 2.50 mmol), silver phosphate (230 mg; 0.55 mmol) are suspended in 5 ml toluene. The reaction mixture is stirred for 120 min at 130° C. in a Bitoage Initiator microwave.

The reaction mixture is poured into water and extracted with DCM. The combined organic layer is dried over MgSO₄ and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product is purified using reversed phase chromatography (Method: prep. HPLC1).

Yield 32% (116 mg; 0.53 mmol)

HPLC-MS: (M+H)+=220; t_(Ret)=0.91 min; method VAB

The synthesis steps from E-1.7′″ to E-1.7 are done in a similar way as for E-1.2′″ to E-1.2.

According to the procedures of E-1.2 and E-1.7, the following intermediates are synthesized from commercially available starting material.

MS (M + H)⁺; HPLC- # Structure t_(Ret.) HPLC [min] Method E-1.1

M + H = 278; t_(Ret.) = 0.69 VAB E-1.2

M + H = 338; t_(Ret.) = 1.03 VAB E-1.3

M + H = 297; t_(Ret.) = 0.66 VAB E-1.4

M + H = 306; t_(Ret.) = 0.81 VAB E-1.5

M + H = 310; t_(Ret.) = 0.86 VAB E-1.6

M + H = 324; t_(Ret.) = 1.02 VAB E-1.7

M + H = 336; t_(Ret.) = 1.01 VAB E-1.8

M + H = 311; t_(Ret.) = 0.79 VAB

5-amino-2,3,3-trimethyl-6-{[(1S)-1-phenylethyl]amino}-2,3-dihydro-1H-isoindol-1-one E-2.1

6-fluoro-2,3,3-trimethyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-isoindol-1-one E-2.1′″

6-fluoro-3,3-dimethyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-isoindol-1-one E-2.1″″ (2.00 g; 11.17 mmol) is suspended in 20 ml THF and sodium hydride (1.55 ml; 21.05) is added and the reaction mixture is stirred for 16 at 20° C. Afterwards sodium hydride (1.00 g; 41.84 mmol) is added portion wise at 0° C. The reaction mixture is stirred at 25° C. for 20 min and then methyl iodide (1.00 ml; 15.40 mmol) is added drop wise. After 1 h stirring at 25° C. the reaction mixture is poured in to sat. NH4C1 solution and extracted with DCM twice. The combined organic layers were dried over sodium sulfate and the solvent is evaporated under reduced pressure. The crude compound was purified by column chromatography using silica gel (230-400 μM) with eluting mixture of ethyl acetate and hexane.

Yield: 26% (0.56 g; 2.90 mmol)

HPLC-MS: (M+H)+=194; t_(Ret)=1.82 min; method RND-FA-4.5-MIN

The synthesis steps from E-2.1′″ to E-2.1 are done in a similar way as for E-1.2′″ to E-1.2.

5-amino-2,3,3-trimethyl-6-{[(1S)-1-phenylethyl]amino}-2,3-dihydro-1H-isoindol-1-one E-2.1

HPLC-MS: (M+H)+=310; t_(Ret)=0.81 min; method VAB

1,3-dimethyl-6-N-[(1S)-1-phenylethyl]-1H-indazole-5,6-diamine E-3.1

6-fluoro-1,3-dimethyl-1H-indazole E-3.1′″

1-(2,4-difluoro-phenyl)-ethanone E-3.1″″ (20.00 g; 0.128 mol), methyl hydrazine sulphate (64.56 g; 0.45 mol), copper(i)oxide (1.83 g; 12.80 mmol) and potassium carbonate (26.57 g; 0.19 mol) are placed in a tube, which is sealed and the mixture is heated to 110° C. for 20 h. Afterwards the reaction mixture is diluted with water and extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined organic layers were dried over sodium sulfate and the solvent is evaporated under reduced pressure. The crude compound was purified by column chromatography using silica gel (230-400 μM) with eluting mixture of ethyl acetate and hexane.

Yield: 43% (9.00 g; 54.88 mmol)

RF=0.3 (30% ethyl acetate, 70% hexane)

The synthesis steps from E-3.1′″ to E-3.1 are done in a similar way as for E-1.2′″ to E-1.2.

According to the procedures of E-3.1 the following intermediates are synthesized from commercially available starting material.

MS (M + H)⁺; HPLC- # Structure t_(Ret.) HPLC [min] Method E-3.1

M + H = 281; t_(Ret.) = 0.85 VAB E-3.2

M + H = 285; t_(Ret.) = 0.92 VAB E-3.3

M + H = 295; t_(Ret.) = 0.91 VAB Biological Methods BRD4-H4 Tetraacetylated Peptide Inhibition AlphaScreen

This assay is used to determine whether the compounds inhibit the interaction between the first (BRD4-BD1) or the second (BRD4-BD2) bromodomain of BRD4 and the tetraacetylated histone H4 peptide.

Compounds are diluted in serial dilution 1:5 in assay buffer from 10 mM stock in DMSO (100 μM start concentration) in white OptiPlate-384 (PerkinElmer). A mix consisting of 15 nM GST-BRD4-BD1 protein (aa 44-168) or 150 nM GST-BRD4-BD2 (aa 333-460) and 15 nM biotinylated Acetyl-Histone H4 (Lys5, 8, 12, 16) peptide is prepared in assay buffer (50 mM HEPES pH=7.4; 25 mM NaCl; 0.05% Tween 20; 0.1% bovine serum albumin (BSA); 10 mM dithiothreitol (DTT)). 6 μl of the mix is added to the compound dilutions. Subsequently, 6 μl of premixed AlphaLISA Glutathione Acceptor Beads and AlphaScreen Streptavidin Donor Beads from PerkinElmer (in assay buffer at a concentration of 10 μg/ml each) are added and the samples are incubated for 30 min at RT in the dark (shaking 300 rpm). Afterwards, the signal is measured in a PerkinElmer Envision HTS Multilabel Reader using the AlphaScreen protocol from PerkinElmer.

Each plate contains negative controls where biotinylated Acetyl-Histone H4 peptide and GST-BRD4-BD1 or GST-BRD4-BD2 are left out and replaced by assay buffer. Negative control values are entered as low basis value when using the software GraphPad Prism for calculations. Furthermore, a positive control (probe molecule JQ1+ with protein/peptide mix) is pipetted. Determination of IC₅₀ values are carried out using GraphPad Prism 3.03 software (or updates thereof).

Table summarizing the IC₅₀ of the compounds of the invention exemplified above

BRD4-BD1 BRD4-BD1 Ex # IC₅₀ [nM] Ex # IC₅₀ [nM] I-1 50 I-2 3 I-3 44 I-4 22 I-5 9 I-6 15 I-7 4 I-8 2 I-9 17 I-10 48 II-1 13 III-1 5 III-2 8 III-3 9

On the basis of their biological properties the compounds of general formula (1) according to the invention, their tautomers, racemates, enantiomers, diastereomers, mixtures thereof and the salts of all the above-mentioned forms are suitable for treating diseases characterised by virus infection, inflammatory diseases and abnormal cell proliferation, such as cancer.

For example, the following cancers may be treated with compounds according to the invention, without being restricted thereto: brain tumours such as for example acoustic neurinoma, astrocytomas such as pilocytic astrocytomas, fibrillary astrocytoma, protoplasmic astrocytoma, gemistocytary astrocytoma, anaplastic astrocytoma and glioblastoma, brain lymphomas, brain metastases, hypophyseal tumour such as prolactinoma, HGH (human growth hormone) producing tumour and ACTH producing tumour (adrenocorticotropic hormone), craniopharyngiomas, medulloblastomas, meningeomas and oligodendrogliomas; nerve tumours (neoplasms) such as for example tumours of the vegetative nervous system such as neuroblastoma sympathicum, ganglioneuroma, paraganglioma (pheochromocytoma, chromaffinoma) and glomus-caroticum tumour, tumours on the peripheral nervous system such as amputation neuroma, neurofibroma, neurinoma (neurilemmoma, Schwannoma) and malignant Schwannoma, as well as tumours of the central nervous system such as brain and bone marrow tumours; intestinal cancer such as for example carcinoma of the rectum, colon carcinoma, colorectal carcinoma, anal carcinoma, carcinoma of the large bowel, tumours of the small intestine and duodenum; eyelid tumours such as basalioma or basal cell carcinoma; pancreatic cancer or carcinoma of the pancreas; bladder cancer or carcinoma of the bladder; lung cancer (bronchial carcinoma) such as for example small-cell bronchial carcinomas (oat cell carcinomas) and non-small cell bronchial carcinomas (NSCLC) such as plate epithelial carcinomas, adenocarcinomas and large-cell bronchial carcinomas; breast cancer such as for example mammary carcinoma such as infiltrating ductal carcinoma, colloid carcinoma, lobular invasive carcinoma, tubular carcinoma, adenocystic carcinoma and papillary carcinoma; non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL) such as for example Burkitt's lymphoma, low-malignancy non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL) and mucosis fungoides; uterine cancer or endometrial carcinoma or corpus carcinoma; CUP syndrome (Cancer of Unknown Primary); ovarian cancer or ovarian carcinoma such as mucinous, endometrial or serous cancer; gall bladder cancer; bile duct cancer such as for example Klatskin tumour; testicular cancer such as for example seminomas and non-seminomas; lymphoma (lymphosarcoma) such as for example malignant lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL) such as chronic lymphatic leukaemia, leukaemic reticuloendotheliosis, immunocytoma, plasmocytoma (multiple myeloma (MM)), immunoblastoma, Burkitt's lymphoma, T-zone mycosis fungoides, large-cell anaplastic lymphoblastoma and lymphoblastoma; laryngeal cancer such as for example tumours of the vocal cords, supraglottal, glottal and subglottal laryngeal tumours; bone cancer such as for example osteochondroma, chondroma, chondroblastoma, chondromyxoid fibroma, osteoma, osteoid osteoma, osteoblastoma, eosinophilic granuloma, giant cell tumour, chondrosarcoma, osteosarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma, reticulo-sarcoma, plasmocytoma, fibrous dysplasia, juvenile bone cysts and aneurysmatic bone cysts; head and neck tumours such as for example tumours of the lips, tongue, floor of the mouth, oral cavity, gums, palate, salivary glands, throat, nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, larynx and middle ear; liver cancer such as for example liver cell carcinoma or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); leukaemias, such as for example acute leukaemias such as acute lymphatic/lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukaemia (A ML); chronic leukaemias such as chronic lymphatic leukaemia (CLL), chronic myeloid leukaemia (C ML); stomach cancer or gastric carcinoma such as for example papillary, tubular and mucinous adenocarcinoma, signet ring cell carcinoma, adenosquamous carcinoma, small-cell carcinoma and undifferentiated carcinoma; melanomas such as for example superficially spreading, nodular, lentigo-maligna and acral-lentiginous melanoma; renal cancer such as for example kidney cell carcinoma or hypernephroma or Grawitz's tumour; oesophageal cancer or carcinoma of the oesophagus; penile cancer; prostate cancer; throat cancer or carcinomas of the pharynx such as for example nasopharynx carcinomas, oropharynx carcinomas and hypopharynx carcinomas; retinoblastoma such as for example vaginal cancer or vaginal carcinoma; plate epithelial carcinomas, adenocarcinomas, in situ carcinomas, malignant melanomas and sarcomas; thyroid carcinomas such as for example papillary, follicular and medullary thyroid carcinoma, as well as anaplastic carcinomas; spinalioma, epidormoid carcinoma and plate epithelial carcinoma of the skin; thymomas, cancer of the urethra and cancer of the vulva.

Preferred cancers, which may be treated with compounds according to the invention, are hematopoietic malignancies (including but not limited to A ML, MM), as well as solid tumors including but not limited to lung, liver, colon, brain, thyroid, pancreas, breast, ovary and prostate cancer.

The new compounds may be used for the prevention, short-term or long-term treatment of the above-mentioned diseases, optionally also in combination with radiotherapy or other “state-of-the-art” compounds, such as e.g. cytostatic or cytotoxic substances, cell proliferation inhibitors, anti-angiogenic substances, steroids or antibodies.

The compounds of general formula (I) may be used on their own or in combination with other active substances according to the invention, optionally also in combination with other pharmacologically active substances.

Chemotherapeutic agents which may be administered in combination with the compounds according to the invention, include, without being restricted thereto, hormones, hormone analogues and antihormones (e.g. tamoxifen, toremifene, raloxifene, fulvestrant, megestrol acetate, flutamide, nilutamide, bicalutamide, aminoglutethimide, cyproterone acetate, finasteride, buserelin acetate, fludrocortisone, fluoxymesterone, medroxyprogesterone, octreotide), aromatase inhibitors (e.g. anastrozole, letrozole, liarozole, vorozole, exemestane, atamestane), LHRH agonists and antagonists (e.g. goserelin acetate, luprolide), inhibitors of growth factors (growth factors such as for example “platelet derived growth factor” and “hepatocyte growth factor”, inhibitors are for example “growth factor” antibodies, “growth factor receptor” antibodies and tyrosine kinase inhibitors, such as for example cetuximab, gefitinib, imatinib, lapatinib and trastuzumab); antimetabolites (e.g. antifolates such as methotrexate, raltitrexed, pyrimidine analogues such as 5-fluorouracil, capecitabin and gemcitabin, purine and adenosine analogues such as mercaptopurine, thioguanine, cladribine and pentostatin, cytarabine, fludarabine); antitumour antibiotics (e.g. anthracyclins such as doxorubicin, daunorubicin, epirubicin and idarubicin, mitomycin-C, bleomycin, dactinomycin, plicamycin, streptozocin); platinum derivatives (e.g. cisplatin, oxaliplatin, carboplatin); alkylation agents (e.g. estramustin, meclorethamine, melphalan, chlorambucil, busulphan, dacarbazin, cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, temozolomide, nitrosoureas such as for example carmustin and lomustin, thiotepa); antimitotic agents (e.g. Vinca alkaloids such as for example vinblastine, vindesin, vinorelbin and vincristine; and taxanes such as paclitaxel, docetaxel); topoisomerase inhibitors (e.g. epipodophyllotoxins such as for example etoposide and etopophos, teniposide, amsacrin, topotecan, irinotecan, mitoxantron) and various chemotherapeutic agents such as amifostin, anagrelid, clodronat, filgrastin, interferon alpha, leucovorin, rituximab, procarbazine, levamisole, mesna, mitotane, pamidronate and porfimer.

Other possible combination partners are 2-chlorodesoxyadenosine, 2-fluorodesoxycytidine, 2-methoxyoestradiol, 2C4, 3-alethine, 131-I-TM-601, 3CPA, 7-ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin, 16-aza-epothilone B, A 105972, A 204197, aldesleukin, alitretinoin, altretamine, alvocidib, amonafide, anthrapyrazole, AG-2037, AP-5280, apaziquone, apomine, aranose, arglabin, arzoxifene, atamestane, atrasentan, auristatin PE, AVLB, AZ10992, ABX-EGF, ARRY-300, ARRY-142886/AZD-6244, ARRY-704/AZD-8330, AS-703026, azacytidine, azaepothilone B, azonafide, BAY-43-9006, BBR-3464, BBR-3576, bevacizumab, biricodar dicitrate, BCX-1777, bleocin, BLP-25, BMS-184476, BMS-247550, BMS-188797, BMS-275291, BNP-1350, BNP-7787, BIBW 2992 (afatinib), BIBF 1120 (Vargatef™), bleomycinic acid, bleomycin A, bleomycin B, bryostatin-1, bortezomib, brostallicin, busulphan, CA-4 prodrug, CA-4, CapCell, calcitriol, canertinib, canfosfamide, capecitabine, carboxyphthalatoplatin, CCI-779, CEP-701, CEP-751, CBT-1 cefixime, ceflatonin, ceftriaxone, celecoxib, celmoleukin, cemadotin, CH4987655/RO-4987655, chlorotrianisene, cilengitide, ciclosporin, CDA-II, CDC-394, CKD-602, clofarabin, colchicin, combretastatin A4, CHS-828, CLL-Thera, CMT-3 cryptophycin 52, CTP-37, CP-461, CV-247, cyanomorpholinodoxorubicin, cytarabine, D 24851, decitabine, deoxorubicin, deoxyrubicin, deoxycoformycin, depsipeptide, desoxyepothilone B, dexamethasone, dexrazoxanet, diethylstilbestrol, diflomotecan, didox, DMDC, dolastatin 10, doranidazole, E7010, E-6201, edatrexat, edotreotide, efaproxiral, eflornithine, EKB-569, EKB-509, elsamitrucin, epothilone B, epratuzumab, ER-86526, erlotinib, ET-18-OCH3, ethynylcytidine, ethynyloestradiol, exatecan, exatecan mesylate, exemestane, exisulind, fenretinide, floxuridine, folic acid, FOLFOX, FOLFIRI, formestane, galarubicin, gallium maltolate, gefinitib, gemtuzumab, gimatecan, glufosfamide, GCS-IOO, G17DT immunogen, GMK, GPX-100, GSK-5126766, GSK-1120212, GW2016, granisetron, hexamethylmelamine, histamine, homoharringtonine, hyaluronic acid, hydroxyurea, hydroxyprogesterone caproate, ibandronate, ibritumomab, idatrexate, idenestrol, IDN-5109, IMC-1C11, immunol, indisulam, interferon alpha-2a, interferon alfa-2b, interleukin-2, ionafarnib, iproplatin, irofulven, isohomohalichondrin-B, isoflavone, isotretinoin, ixabepilone, JRX-2, JSF-154, J-107088, conjugated oestrogens, kahalid F, ketoconazole, KW-2170, lobaplatin, leflunomide, lenograstim, leuprolide, leuporelin, lexidronam, LGD-1550, linezolid, lutetium texaphyrin, lometrexol, losoxantrone, LU 223651, lurtotecan, mafosfamide, marimastat, mechloroethamine, methyltestosteron, methylprednisolone, MEN-10755, MDX-H210, MDX-447, MGV, midostaurin, minodronic acid, mitomycin, mivobulin, MK-2206, mlN518, motexafin gadolinium, MS-209, MS-275, MX6, neridronate, neovastat, nimesulide, nitroglycerin, nolatrexed, norelin, N-acetylcysteine, 06-benzylguanine, omeprazole, oncophage, ormiplatin, ortataxel, oxantrazole, oestrogen, patupilone, pegfilgrastim, PCK-3145, pegfilgrastim, PBI-1402, PEG-paclitaxel, PEP-005, P-04, PKC412, P54, PI-88, pelitinib, pemetrexed, pentrix, perifosine, perillylalcohol, PG-TXL, PG2, PLX-4032/RO-5185426, PT-100, picoplatin, pivaloyloxymethylbutyrate, pixantrone, phenoxodiol 0, PKI166, plevitrexed, plicamycin, polyprenic acid, porfiromycin, prednisone, prednisolone, quinamed, quinupristin, RAF-265, ramosetron, ranpirnase, RDEA-119/BAY 869766, rebeccamycin analogues, revimid, RG-7167, rhizoxin, rhu-MAb, risedronate, rituximab, rofecoxib, Ro-31-7453, RO-5126766, RPR 109881A, rubidazon, rubitecan, R-flurbiprofen, S-9788, sabarubicin, SAHA, sargramostim, satraplatin, SB 408075, SU5416, SU6668, SDX-101, semustin, seocalcitol, SM-11355, SN-38, SN-4071, SR-27897, SR-31747, SRL-172, sorafenib, spiroplatin, squalamine, suberanilohydroxamic acid, sutent, T 900607, T 138067, TAS-103, tacedinaline, talaporfin, tariquitar, taxotere, taxoprexin, tazarotene, tegafur, temozolamide, tesmilifene, testosterone, testosterone propionate, tesmilifene, tetraplatin, tetrodotoxin, tezacitabine, thalidomide, theralux, therarubicin, thymectacin, tiazofurin, tipifarnib, tirapazamine, tocladesine, tomudex, toremofin, trabectedin, TransMID-107, transretinic acid, traszutumab, tretinoin, triacetyluridine, triapine, trimetrexate, TLK-286TXD 258, urocidin, valrubicin, vatalanib, vincristine, vinflunine, virulizin, WX-UK1, vectibix, Volasertib (or other polo-like kinae inhibitors), xeloda, XELOX, XL-281, XL-518/R-7420, YM-511, YM-598, ZD-4190, ZD-6474, ZD-4054, ZD-0473, ZD-6126, ZD-9331, ZDI839, zoledronat and zosuquidar.

Suitable preparations include for example tablets, capsules, suppositories, solutions—particularly solutions for injection (s.c., i.v., i.m.) and infusion—elixirs, emulsions or dispersible powders. The content of the pharmaceutically active compound(s) should be in the range from 0.1 to 90 wt.-%, preferably 0.5 to 50 wt.-% of the composition as a whole, i.e. in amounts which are sufficient to achieve the dosage range specified below. The doses specified may, if necessary, be given several times a day.

Suitable tablets may be obtained, for example, by mixing the active substance(s) with known excipients, for example inert diluents such as calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate or lactose, disintegrants such as corn starch or alginic acid, binders such as starch or gelatine, lubricants such as magnesium stearate or talc and/or agents for delaying release, such as carboxymethyl cellulose, cellulose acetate phthalate, or polyvinyl acetate. The tablets may also comprise several layers.

Coated tablets may be prepared accordingly by coating cores produced analogously to the tablets with substances normally used for tablet coatings, for example collidone or shellac, gum arabic, talc, titanium dioxide or sugar. To achieve delayed release or prevent incompatibilities the core may also consist of a number of layers. Similarly the tablet coating may consist of a number of layers to achieve delayed release, possibly using the excipients mentioned above for the tablets.

Syrups or elixirs containing the active substances or combinations thereof according to the invention may additionally contain a sweetener such as saccharine, cyclamate, glycerol or sugar and a flavour enhancer, e.g. a flavouring such as vanillin or orange extract. They may also contain suspension adjuvants or thickeners such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, wetting agents such as, for example, condensation products of fatty alcohols with ethylene oxide, or preservatives such as p-hydroxybenzoates.

Solutions for injection and infusion are prepared in the usual way, e.g. with the addition of isotonic agents, preservatives such as p-hydroxybenzoates, or stabilisers such as alkali metal salts of ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid, optionally using emulsifiers and/or dispersants, whilst if water is used as the diluent, for example, organic solvents may optionally be used as solvating agents or dissolving aids, and transferred into injection vials or ampoules or infusion bottles.

Capsules containing one or more active substances or combinations of active substances may for example be prepared by mixing the active substances with inert carriers such as lactose or sorbitol and packing them into gelatine capsules.

Suitable suppositories may be made for example by mixing with carriers provided for this purpose, such as neutral fats or polyethyleneglycol or the derivatives thereof.

Excipients which may be used include, for example, water, pharmaceutically acceptable organic solvents such as paraffins (e.g. petroleum fractions), vegetable oils (e.g. groundnut or sesame oil), mono- or polyfunctional alcohols (e.g. ethanol or glycerol), carriers such as e.g. natural mineral powders (e.g. kaolins, clays, talc, chalk), synthetic mineral powders (e.g. highly dispersed silicic acid and silicates), sugars (e.g. cane sugar, lactose and glucose) emulsifiers (e.g. lignin, spent sulphite liquors, methylcellulose, starch and polyvinylpyrrolidone) and lubricants (e.g. magnesium stearate, talc, stearic acid and sodium lauryl sulphate).

The preparations are administered by the usual methods, preferably by oral or transdermal route, most preferably by oral route. For oral administration the tablets may, of course contain, apart from the abovementioned carriers, additives such as sodium citrate, calcium carbonate and dicalcium phosphate together with various additives such as starch, preferably potato starch, gelatine and the like. Moreover, lubricants such as magnesium stearate, sodium lauryl sulphate and talc may be used at the same time for the tabletting process. In the case of aqueous suspensions the active substances may be combined with various flavour enhancers or colourings in addition to the excipients mentioned above.

For parenteral use, solutions of the active substances with suitable liquid carriers may be used.

However, it may sometimes be necessary to depart from the amounts specified, depending on the body weight, the route of administration, the individual response to the drug, the nature of its formulation and the time or interval over which the drug is administered. Thus, in some cases it may be sufficient to use less than the minimum dose given above, whereas in other cases the upper limit may have to be exceeded. When administering large amounts it may be advisable to divide them up into a number of smaller doses spread over the day.

The formulation examples which follow illustrate the present invention without restricting its scope:

Examples of Pharmaceutical Formulations

A) Tablets per tablet active substance according to formula (I) 100 mg lactose 140 mg corn starch 240 mg polyvinylpyrrolidone  15 mg magnesium stearate  5 mg 500 mg

The finely ground active substance, lactose and some of the corn starch are mixed together. The mixture is screened, then moistened with a solution of polyvinylpyrrolidone in water, kneaded, wet-granulated and dried. The granules, the remaining corn starch and the magnesium stearate are screened and mixed together. The mixture is compressed to produce tablets of suitable shape and size.

B) Tablets per tablet active substance according to formula (I) 80 mg lactose 55 mg corn starch 190 mg  microcrystalline cellulose 35 mg polyvinylpyrrolidone 15 mg sodium-carboxymethyl starch 23 mg magnesium stearate  2 mg 400 mg 

The finely ground active substance, some of the corn starch, lactose, microcrystalline cellulose and polyvinylpyrrolidone are mixed together, the mixture is screened and worked with the remaining corn starch and water to form a granulate which is dried and screened. The sodiumcarboxymethyl starch and the magnesium stearate are added and mixed in and the mixture is compressed to form tablets of a suitable size.

C) Ampoule solution active substance according to formula (I) 50 mg sodium chloride 50 mg water for inj.  5 ml

The active substance is dissolved in water at its own pH or optionally at pH 5.5 to 6.5 and sodium chloride is added to make it isotonic. The solution obtained is filtered free from pyrogens and the filtrate is transferred under aseptic conditions into ampoules which are then sterilised and sealed by fusion. The ampoules contain 5 mg, 25 mg and 50 mg of active substance. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A compound of formula I

wherein, A is

R¹ is

R² is selected from the group consisting of —CH₂-phenyl, —CH(CH₃)-phenyl, —CH₂—CH₂—O—CH₃ and —CH(CH₃)—CH₂—O—CH₃, R³ is —C₁₋₃ alkyl; R⁴ is —C₁₋₃ alkyl; R⁵ is —C₁₋₃ alkyl; or R⁴ and R⁵ taken together form a —C₃ cycloalkyl; R⁶ is —C₁₋₃ alkyl; R⁷ is —C₁₋₃ alkyl; R⁸ is —C₁₋₃ alkyl; R⁹ is —C₁₋₃ alkyl; R¹⁰ is —C₁₋₃ alkyl; and X is —CH═; or a salt thereof.
 2. A compound according to claim 1 of formula Ia

wherein A is

R¹ is

 and R² is selected from the group consisting of —CH₂-phenyl, —CH(CH₃)-phenyl, and —CH(CH₃)—CH₂—O—CH₃.
 3. A compound according to claim 1, wherein R¹ is


4. A compound according to claim 1, wherein A is


5. A compound according to claim 1, wherein R³ is methyl, ethyl or isopropyl.
 6. A compound according to claim 1, wherein R⁴ and R⁵ are both methyl or R⁴ and R⁵ taken together form a cyclopropyl.
 7. A compound of claim 6, wherein R⁴ and R⁵ are both methyl.
 8. A compound according to claim 1, wherein R² is selected from the group consisting of —CH(CH₃)-phenyl, and —CH(CH₃)—CH₂—O—CH₃.
 9. A compound according to claim 1, wherein R⁹ is methyl or ethyl.
 10. A compound according to claim 1, wherein R¹⁰ is methyl or ethyl.
 11. A compound according to claim 1 selected from the group consisting of EX # Structure Ex # Structure I-1

I-2

I-4

I-7

I-8

I-9

II-1

or a salt thereof.
 12. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound according to claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 